Landowners in Kisumu County are breathing a sigh of relief following Governor Anyang’ Nyong’os move, to offer them a 100 per cent waiver, on all outstanding interest and penalties on land rates.
The adverse effects of the Covid-19 outbreak on the real estate sector have occasioned the decision that aims to cushion the property owners from further losses.
The County issued a notice signed by the Finance Executive (CECM), George Okong’o, to that effect. The waiver takes effect from May 17 to June 18, 2021.
“Governor Nyong’o is pleased to announce to all property owners a 100 per cent waiver on all outstanding interests and penalties on land rates,” said the Finance Boss.
Okong’o urged all property owners to take advantage of the waiver to clear outstanding arrears. He said the original amount will be reinstated and legal redress shall be instituted when the time elapses.
“Take advantage of this waiver and avoid further penalties,” read the notice in part.
All payments are supposed to be made via Kisumu County Revenue Accounts with the account numbers 01141766976600 at Cooperative Bank or 1141991705 at the Kenya Commercial Bank.
The directive requires the bank deposit slips be presented to the Sub-county revenue officers for database updates.
Upon requiring a demand notice, one is expected to liaise with the Principal Revenue officers at the Sub-county. The document will be served via WhatsApp due to the restriction of movement.
The reprieve comes after the courts in Kisumu stopped the County Government from implementing new land rates in February.
The County Government increased the rates by more than double after valuation of property in the city and the seven Sub-counties that surround Kisumu.
The increase sparked an uproar from property owners who said the calculations were irrational.
By Robert Ojwang’
